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All Smilez Dental Care

Snoring & Sleep Apnea

Snoring & Sleep Apnea

Do you or your partner struggle with loud snoring or restless sleep? You might be experiencing Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) — a condition that occurs when the airway becomes partially or fully blocked during sleep, reducing oxygen flow and disrupting rest.

What causes snoring?

Snoring happens when the muscles in your neck relax during sleep, causing the airway to narrow. This leads to vibration of soft tissues, creating the sound of snoring.

Risk factors for snoring:

  • Physiology: Natural structure of your airway

  • Sex: Men are more prone due to muscle and fat distribution

  • Weight: Excess tissue around the neck increases risk

  • Age: Muscles weaken with age

  • Lifestyle: Alcohol or sedatives can relax muscles even further

What the sleep study measures:

  • Oxygen levels
  • Pulse rate
  • Breathing effort
  • Airflow
  • Body position and movement during sleep

What is obstructive sleep Apnea (OSA)?

OSA is a more serious condition than simple snoring. It occurs when the airway collapses entirely or becomes severely narrowed, causing repeated pauses in breathing throughout the night.

Potential health impacts:

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)

  • Increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular issues

  • Daytime fatigue and concentration issues

  • Strain on relationships due to disrupted sleep

Diagnosing sleep apnea

If sleep apnea is suspected, your dentist or GP may refer you for a home-based Sleep Study.

You’ll receive a recorder to use overnight, and results are typically assessed within 15 days.

Treatment: Oral Appliance Therapy

If diagnosed with mild to moderate OSA or persistent snoring, you may benefit from an Oral Appliance such as a Mandibular Advancing Device (MAD).

How it works

Key benefits

Is it covered by insurance?

What’s next?

The appliance gently moves your lower jaw forward during sleep, keeping your airway open and reducing tissue vibration and blockage.

  • Comfortable and non-invasive

  • Custom-made for your bite

  • Ideal for patients who can’t tolerate CPAP therapy

Yes — many insurers cover oral appliance therapy under medical or dental plans, especially with a confirmed sleep study diagnosis.

If you’re experiencing:

  • Loud or persistent snoring

  • Waking up tired despite a full night’s sleep

  • Gasping or choking during sleep

…it may be time to take the next step. Contact us today to arrange a consultation or a sleep study referral.

Make an Appointment

We’ll check the doctor’s availability and be in touch shortly. Need urgent care or in pain? Feel free to call us at  (02) 9545 5488